Daytona Flash boots in black

A different kind of Daytona boot

It’s somewhat of a cliché to claim that Daytona make the best motorcycle boots. Of course they do; everybody knows that. Certainly, brothers Helmut and Reinhardt do; they’ve been producing motorcycle boots, and nothing but motorcycle boots, from the same factory in Bavaria for over 60 years.

They don’t do fashion. They don’t follow trends. They are more about function than form. They use only the best components. The most expensive, most supple, hydrophobic leather. Gore-Tex membranes. Galvanised, steel shanks in the soles. YKK zips, and so on.

The only reason that not everybody wears Daytona is that they are quite expensive.

Well the Daytona boot we’re talking about here costs just £270. So the only question is: what’s the catch? Well, that’s what we’re going to tell you now.


                                                                           What is the Daytona Flash?

Obviously, there’s no catch, per se; but the Flash is different to your average Daytona boot.

The main difference is that it’s not a waterproof boot. And in that, it’s like a traditional, race boot. Obviously, as a leather boot with a taller shaft, you are not going to get wet feet whenever it rains, although it’s undoubtedly the truth that after a few hours in a heavy downpour the wet stuff will start to soak into the leather.

In other respects, however, the Flash is pure Daytona. You get a high-quality, supple cowhide for the chassis. The shaft of the boot is lined with a textile material for comfort. The foot itself is lined with leather for better feel. You get a full length zip up the inside of the boot; and that zip is covered with a storm flap to prevent water coming through the zip. As with all Daytonas, you get an adjustment mechanism for the calf. There’s concertina padding in the forefoot and the heel to make the boot comfortable off the bike. And there’s reflective material in the heel for nighttime visibility. For protection you get a plastic insert that covers the shin. The ankles are protected with pucks that are faced with latex foam. And as with all Daytonas you get a galvanised, steel shank in the sole. There’s a gearchange pad on the toe. The sole is rubber, and replaceable, obviously.


                                                        What kind of rider is the Flash designed for?

It is undoubtedly the case that the Flash is not the boot you need if you commute 100 miles a day throughout the year. It is probably also not the best boot for a long-distance international tour where you might  conceivably find yourself riding for five hours in the torrential rain.

The Flash is, though, going to be a great boot for the weekend rider who does his best to avoid the rain. It’s going to be extremely comfortable once it’s worn in. It’s highly protective. It’s going to be waterproof for a short while. It’s going to be totally reliable. And no boot is going to give you better feel on the controls.

We think the Flash is a great boot to be worn with jeans. And of course when it’s warm, it’s going to be far more breathable, and therefore more comfortable, than any other Daytona, or indeed any boot with a waterproof membrane.

And, of course, this is a Daytona boot for less than the price of your average TCX!